NEW YORK -- Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland hopes to get through the biggest game of the season without using someone who has been one of his biggest weapons out of his bullpen.

To say that right-hander Al Alburquerque has struggled in two relief appearances in the American League Division Series would be an understatement. At this point, it seems extremely unlikely he will find himself pitching in a key spot in Thursday’s Game 5.

"He’s not sharp," Leyland said Wednesday. "Needless to say, he’s not sharp right now. ... You know, the stuff is just not as crisp. The control is just not as good."

Alburquerque has pitched to four batters in the ALDS, two in Game 1 and two in Game 4.

In Game 1, he entered with the bases loaded with two outs in the bottom of the sixth with the Tigers trailing 4-1. Alburquerque started with two sliders that lacked the usual bite, and Robinson Cano hit the second one over the wall in right field for a grand slam.

Alburquerque then retired Alex Rodriguez to end the inning.

The next day, Leyland gave a quick review of the slider Cano hit for a grand slam.

"That one just didn’t do anything," he said. "It just stayed there."

In Game 4, Alburquerque entered with the bases loaded and no outs in the top of the eighth inning with the Tigers again trailing 4-1. He was called for a balk that allowed one run to score, gave up a run-scoring single to Jesus Montero and walked Russell Martin before being removed from the game.

He has been charged with three earned runs in one-third of an inning in the postseason. That calculates to an ERA of 81.00.

Alburquerque did not allow a home run and stranded 28 of the 31 base runners he inherited during the regular season. The home run by Cano knocked in the same number of inherited runners that Alburquerque had allowed to score during the entire season.

Alburquerque has not pitched much since suffering a concussion Aug. 12 when he was hit in the head by a line drive during batting practice in Baltimore. He dealt with a nagging hip issue after returning from the disabled list.

Leyland said he thinks the lack of work has contributed to Alburquerque’s struggles.

"He’s been so idle," Leyland said. "He really hasn’t pitched much lately. ... I think the time being away and not getting out there on a more consistent basis with the injury that he had has really hurt him as far as how he’s throwing right now."

Alburquerque allowed three hits and walked two batters in eight regular-season appearances after returning from the disabled list. He struck out 10 and did not allow an earned run in 6 1/3 innings in those appearances, and his WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) was a microscopic 0.79.

Still, he didn’t seem to be himself at times. In consecutive appearances in September, Leyland and head athletic trainer Kevin Rand visited Alburquerque on the mound to check on how his hip was doing.

Without being asked specifically about it, Leyland laid out his plan for what he hopes to do regarding his use of the bullpen in Game 5.

"Being totally honest with you," Leyland said, "I would like to get through this game with (Doug) Fister, (Phil) Coke, if necessary, (Joaquin) Benoit and (Jose) Valverde."